In the span of three years, five girls from the class of 2014 have transferred from Notre Dame Belmont to Aragon. The new Lady Dons share their experiences with transitioning from private to public school.
Senior Rachel Foote, who transferred from Notre Dame High School Belmont her junior year says, “Notre Dame was an interesting experience. It’s an all-girls private school, so I think that’s a little more tame than people anticipate. It wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t my thing exactly. We had a very strict uniform. Skirts had to be a certain length, you had to tuck your shirt in at all times, and during the cold season you couldn’t wear sweatpants. You had to wear leggings with socks over, which never looks good. You didn’t have a lot of freedom of expression … It’s just a lot more liberal here, which is cool. I love it.”
Senior Kristin Shaw, who transferred from Notre Dame her senior year, says, “Notre Dame was really small compared to Aragon. It was too close-knit. You knew everything about everyone and everyone knew everything about you. The class sizes were small, so teachers were breathing down your neck every five seconds, and the uniform policy was aggravatingly strict.”
Notre Dame transfer students are happy with the inviting atmosphere and many opportunities Aragon has to offer.
Senior Melissa Spaulding, who transfered her sophomore year, says, “I really like the diversity that Aragon has and that it is a bigger school because there are more class options. I also appreciate that I am not forced to take religion classes.”
Shaw says, “I am beyond happy with my decision to transfer to Aragon. The people I have met here changed everything. I thought I would have trouble making friends senior year, but everyone made me feel right at home and made me so proud to be a new Don.”
Yet, some students have mixed feelings about the transition from a private school to a public school.
Foote, who went to both a private elementary and middle school, says, “Coming to public school was amazing. It was a little scary at first because [at private schools] you don’t have a lot of cultural diversity, and people are a lot more upfront here.
Foote continues, “Notre Dame actually curves their grades a lot. I had a 4.4 [GPA] my freshman year and I wasn’t doing homework or studying or trying. Coming here junior year was definitely a kick in my butt. My junior year grades show that it was a difficult transition, but I’ve got it on lock this year and I’m doing great.”
Senior Megan McIver, who transferred her junior year, says, “Notre Dame was strict and structured and everything was done and handed to me, whereas at Aragon I had to be independent and rely on myself more, which has better prepared me for college.”
Some students also miss certain aspects of a small private school.
Spaulding says, “Because [Notre Dame] was an all-girls private school, focus was really dispersed evenly on every sport. Also, the school was beautifully maintained.”
Foote says, “The language department at Notre Dame is actually phenomenal, but the English department here at Aragon blows Notre Dame out of the water.”
Shaw says, “The only thing I miss about Notre [Dame] is the food. There was so much food they sold, and it was all available anytime during the school day.”
Despite the loss of small-school benefits, however, Notre Dame transfer students are happy with Aragon’s diverse, welcoming environment.
Foote says, “[Aragon] is a real high school experience. You’ve got the football games, you’ve got prom, you’ve got homecoming. Everything high school should be is what Aragon is.”
Shaw says, “I transferred out of Notre Dame because I honestly did not feel the type of connection I have here at Aragon. I came from a public middle school and thought private would be a better fit, but I was wrong. I really love the public high school system and I love the energy and school pride large schools give off.”
Shaw continues, “The teachers are helpful, understanding, and engaging in class. My counselor, Ms. Trish, has helped me through a very difficult time. I know it sounds cheesy, but transferring to Aragon has definitely been the best decision I have ever made.”
